The alleyway's weather worn-bricks have remained unchanged since Chinatown's beginning. Fan Tan Alley is just five feet wide in places. Gambling and opium dens used to reside here, now there are many interesting little shops selling everything from dice and dominoes to vintage clothing.
Loved the colorful signs in the alley - wish I could have read the ones in beautiful Chinese writing.
Have you tried Bubble Tea? Granddaughter Jasmin was anxious to try this drink originating in Taiwan and now very popular in Asian communities in North America. The fruity and milky concoctions have chewy tapioca balls in the bottom which are drawn up through a wide diameter straw. The bubble tea cafes and bars are like coffee shops with dozens of flavors and additives possible - so popular with the younger people that we had to wait in long lines to be served.
Jasmin chose mango with the black tapioca balls - tasted quite good but I don't think it will take the place of my morning java - especially as they contain about 350 calories!!
Would you believe...................here outside a Fan Tan Alley shop we found vintage "bubble tops"....................................just the thing to wear while slurping bubble tea!
Happy Canada Day to all you wonderful, friendly Canadians.
..........................coming soon, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver.
-crop.JPG)
I love Victoria. I visited there many years ago and have such great memories. Great photos. I haven't tried that tea but have heard of it. Somehow it just doesn't sound good but I bet it is. I think I've heard that they have it in Paris. I will have to take a look.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home!
I kept checking your blog to see if you had returned.
Lovely to read of your trip especially as we are heading there hot on your heels.
Looking forward to hearing more about Vancouver.
I'm in Scotland right now about to start my July "job" of looking after some holiday cottages.
Annie x
Mary, Welcome Back! I've been enjoying all of your pictures. What a beautiful trip! I look forward to seeing more pictures.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! Glad to see you back.. Sound like you had a wonderful vacation. What fun it was reading all about it. I've never been to Chinatown or Victoria but would love to go after seeing all your photos. What lovely photos of your beautiful granddaughter Jasmin. I've never heard of bubble tea sound very interesting. Enjoy your day :-} ~Mary~
ReplyDeleteMary, I have really enjoyed seeing your photos...I can tell that you love to travel, and your enthusiasm comes through in your posts. Your granddaughter looks as beautiful as ever!
ReplyDeleteI've never visited there, or had bubble tea...I think that I have some new experiences ahead! :)
Andrea
Welcome back Mary! I really enjoyed all your photos. I've never head of Bubble Tea but it sounds good. I wish I'd gone to Victoria when I lived in Washington State. It seem so interesting. I have been to Vancouver so I can't wait to see those photos!
ReplyDeleteManuela